Aimée was born with a very small amount of vision which has deteriorated over the last three years.
“Being born with an impairment is a completely different experience to losing sight later in life. I was born into a sighted world. My parents told me I would need to adapt as the world needed to catch up with disabilities,” said Aimée. Her parents raised her to give everything a go and never let sight be a barrier.
“I honestly don’t think my vision bothered me til all my friends started driving and I couldn’t. As I got older, it had more of an impact,” said Aimée. “Having my son was a wake-up call, having to keep another tiny human alive whilst struggling to look after myself! I am so lucky that I have a positive attitude and a hugely supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues.”
Aimée first heard about MyVision on the RNIB South East’s Connect Community’s Facebook page about two years ago, which then led her to the Banbury SocialEyes group.
“MyVision and Banbury SocialEyes have made more of a difference in my life than I first expected,” said Aimée.
“I followed the work of MyVision for a while, but put off attending the group as I thought it might just be lots of older people feeling sorry for themselves. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The opportunity to socialise with people who genuinely understand is invaluable. Family and friends are amazing, but to talk with someone who is living through it is so different.”
“The main impact it has had for me is that I now feel it is ok to have a rough day and admit it. I don’t need to put a brave face on all of the time,” said Aimée.
Aimée is now an active member of the MyVision community. During autumn, she took part in our Farmoor Walk fundraiser. “I wanted to raise awareness of the charity within my friends and family, and they are definitely more aware now! I also wanted to raise funds to keep MyVision going and help it fund local groups. Without fundraising I worry that the SocialEyes group and other activities or support will have to stop, and I cannot imagine my journey without SocialEyes.”
“MyVision has helped point me in the direction of further help. I have made new friends, and I took part in things I never thought I would: such as driving a Canal Boat!”
“MyVision has become a permanent part of my life and I am so thankful for all the staff and volunteers who maybe don’t realise how life changing the charity and its local groups can be.”
When asked about what she would say to other visually impaired people about MyVision, Aimée said, “I would say, don’t hesitate to get involved! Even if you are managing your sight loss and your daily life, MyVision still has things you didn’t think of. It’s great to be surrounded by other people who truly just ‘get it’ and support you in your highs and lows.”
We hold social groups throughout the county in Banbury, Didcot, Headington, Thame, and Henley, as well as regular drop-in sessions at our resource centre. We also hold regular ActivEyes events that include visually impaired tennis and cycling, as well as many other fantastic activities. Follow the link to see a full list of our upcoming activities – Upcoming Events – MyVision Oxfordshire
If you would like to share your story get in touch at info@MyVision.org.uk or 01865 725595
